“Europe remained strong, while South America continued its robust recovery.

“We achieved sustained business development over the period, in line with our medium-term objectives, and continued to strengthen our pipeline, with an ever-increasing share of luxury hotels, which generate higher fees per room.

“Performing well and growing steadily stronger, the group can tackle the rest of the year with confidence.”

During the first quarter, the company opened 71 hotels, representing 8,300 bedrooms.

The pipeline for future openings is 1,135 properties (200,000 bedrooms).